Thursday, September 20, 2007

Last December I appealed to readers to call former Florida Jeb Bush to commute the sentence of Richard Paey.

Today Bush's Republican successor, Governor Charlie Crist, after hearing argument from Paey's outstanding attorney, John P. Flannery, II, moved to grant Paey a full pardon, and his cabinet adopted the motion. Paey should be released from prison today.

Crist extended the usual five minutes for such argument to thirty minutes, and took an extraordinary step to grant a full pardon. Crist was a leading anti-crime State Senator and later Florida Attorney General.

I encourage you to call (850) 488-7146 or write Governor Crist to commend him!Office of Governor Charlie CristState of FloridaPL-05 The CapitolTallahassee, FL 32399-0001

I sent this email to Charlie.Crist@MyFlorida.com

Dear Governor Crist:

Your motion this morning to grant a full pardon to Richard Paey was the most heartening act by a public official that I can think of in many years.

It seemed to me that it was completely consistent with your pledge and philosophy published on your website.

It should not be remarkable that you took this step -- given the facts, but it is remarkable.